1. Harvest Festival in Leopoldau: Celebration with enjoyment and tradition!

<ol> <li>Harvest Festival in Leopoldau: Celebration with enjoyment and tradition!</li> </ol>

Autumn is just around the corner and that means that the time of giving thanks for the harvest begins in this country too. On September 28, 2025, the 71st Thanksgiving Festival will take place in Leopoldau, a festival that is all about gratitude for nature and its gifts. On this day, the historic Leopoldau rectory becomes a meeting place for young and old, where celebration is very important.

The festival begins at 9:30 a.m. with a family mass in the Leopoldau parish church, which offers a contemplative introduction to the festival day. There will then be a prayer service in front of the church at 2 p.m., followed by a colorful harvest parade that brings Leopoldauer Platz to life. Led by Pastor Ivica Stankovic and the Leopoldau Music Association, magnificently decorated harvest floats parade through the streets, a truly festive sight.

Tradition and enjoyment

Celebrating together is the motto of Thanksgiving. The parish of Leopoldau invites all visitors to a social gathering in the large parish garden. Here, festival guests can enjoy regional delicacies from the grill, taste homemade pastries and refresh themselves with a freshly tapped beer from the Leopold brewery. The musical accompaniment by the music club creates the right atmosphere and heralds the festive afternoon.

Anni Glas from the parish speaks with great enthusiasm about the preparations. “We are proud of the work that is achieved here by almost all volunteers,” she says, emphasizing the desire to share this joy with as many people as possible. Although the event does not benefit from public subsidies, the dedication and cooperation within the community help make the Thanksgiving festival a real highlight on the calendar.

A look into tradition

Thanksgiving has a long history in Austria and is traditionally celebrated in September or October. It often takes place at the end of September, especially in rural areas. Historically, the festival is a celebration by Christians to thank God for the harvest. The customs date back to the 3rd century, when pre-Christian festivals celebrated similar occasions. It is interesting that the celebrations are often associated with processions and the blessing of artistic harvest crowns, as is also the case with the festival in Leopoldau. Today, Thanksgiving is not only a religious event, but also an opportunity for community and celebration of regional cuisine.

So anyone who is in Leopoldau on September 28, 2025 should not miss this festival - a day of gratitude, community and enjoyment, framed by the backdrop of the historic rectory and the warm atmosphere of autumnal togetherness.